In response the editorial by Ms. Champika Liyanaarachchi published in the Daily Mirror of Thursday, 29 July 2010
The Daily Mirror has been regarded by many as an unbiased and free publication. It has, in the past published adverts against homophobia and more lately, unbiased interviews with LGBT activist and lent publicity to events and celebrations of Gay Pride. Some of the more recent articles on Gay issues to be published include:
However, the editorial, which we have republished on this site , is probably the best example of homophobia to be expressed in any mainstream media in recent years. The Sakhi Collaboration is both disappointed and shocked that the Daily Mirror should publish such an editorial and more so of the sudden change in stance.
Sakhi believes the Editorial reflects a poor display of responsible journalism or judgment, and will not take on the task responding individually to the points raised in the article as we feel the piece of writing does not merit a rational discussion for the following reasons.
‘Set[ting] the record straight’ – as the editor presumes to do, reflects the writer’s heteronormative perspective on queer issues and Sexual Rights Advocacy groups. The reference to the sexuality of some members of the diplomatic corps is unwarranted. The statements apparently made by Gay/Queer persons uncorroborated and the accusations levelled at Sexual Rights Advocacy groups and women’s organisations baseless.
It is unfortunate that the Editor has seen it fit to reflect her own personal fears and biases in an Editorial of a reputed publication.
Sakhi, welcomes any responses to the editorial and will be pleased to publish it as comments here.
(Please note that articles will be subject to editing prior to publication.)
A tide against the natural…
THURSDAY, 29 JULY 2010 03:14
One saw this coming slowly for some years. However sudden increased activism by the groups during the last few weeks made one think that it’s high time that one set the record straight.
The story is this.
Some controversial moves are being made by groups within the Colombo social circles along with a few diplomats and leading civil society figures to create an impression that heterosexuality is an outdated, obsolete disposition. Most of these individuals one-time heterosexuals turn gays.
This certainly is not an alarmist view of a prude. Among the members of one of these groups is a high ranking officer of a diplomatic mission in Colombo. Apart from him there are quite a few not so high ranking men from the diplomatic community who are included in the group.
Try striking up a conversation with these groups and they will say that all politicians in the country should turn gay so that they can avoid the burden of a family – wife and children and better concentrate on work. A peek into the evening parties of some of these groups apparently make one wonder whether one is really living in Sri Lanka or Las Vegas. Their promotion of vices including extensive use of drugs and aggressive promotion of their ideology have slowly started hitting the foundations of Sri Lankan society especially the family unit.
Then there’s another group which is facilitated by a leading women’s NGO in Colombo which comprises of male-bashers who would go to any extend to explain that males are a dangerous species and they should be done away with. Most of the members of this group are women who were once into unhappy relationships and want to believe that the entire women population in the country has been victimized by the male population. Their wrath against men sees no bounds. The members of this group go out of the way to launch venomous attacks against the Sri Lankan male population by way of publications, exhibitions and many other means. Marriage for them is an opportunity for men to exploit women physically and psychologically as the male is always looked at with an enemy perception. Women who rally around this group are bent on spreading their pessimistic message on men among the entire women population in the country.
Over the years, slowly and steadily both these type groups have managed to rope in a few dozens of unsuspecting leading personalities in society to their clubs. The last few weeks saw some strong movements by these entities which attempt to piggy back on the political dialogue on human rights. There is no doubt that much is needed to be done on the human rights front. However, the country can do well without these undesirable elements.
Sri Lanka has successfully weathered many a cultural tides thanks to the strength of its strong social foundations. One hopes that this too will pass.
